Kampman Signs With Jaguars

Aaron Kampman is now a former member of the Green Bay Packers after agreeing to a contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars early Sunday morning, according to Jacksonville.com.

Length and terms of the contract haven’t been announced, but Kampman, who is returning from reconstructive knee surgery, likely received a similar deal to the four-year, $26 million contract Kyle Vanden Bosch signed with the Detroit Lions .

For Kampman, the move to Jacksonville allows him to return to defensive end and the 4-3. Kampman never quite adjusted to Dom Capers’ 3-4 in Green Bay, especially when he was asked to drop back into coverage. He won’t have to worry about that in Jacksonville, but he will have to worry about being their defensive savior. The Jaguars generated a pathetic 14 sacks in 2009 – that’s 14 sacks by the whole team. Kampman will certainly be depended upon to help increase that number.

There were a lot of dynamics that went into Kampman changing teams. Obviously, the ability to play in a 4-3 was a primary factor for Kampman, but the Packers, despite saying they wanted him back, didn’t make any discernible push to sign him.

Despite the Packers public stance on resigning Kampman, there were reports the team didn’t care one way or another if he returned. Instead, the Packers were only protecting their image by saying they wanted Kampman back because of his popularity among the fans.

Whether it was that or Kampman’s price tag was just too high, losing Kampman isn’t the end of the world. In addition to not fitting the 3-4, Kampman’s sack numbers have decreased each of the past four seasons – from 15.5 in 2006 to 3.5 in 2009. While he can still bring pressure, Kampman isn’t the force he once was.

If the season began today, second-year man Brad Jones would start at left outside linebacker for the Packers. Jones had four sacks last season for the Packers, and while he needs to add some bulk in the weight room, could be a long-term replacement for Kampman.